President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine delivered a powerful address at the United Nations General Assembly, making an urgent plea for increased military aid to continue fighting Russia. His call to action underscored a stark warning about a new era in military technology, coming just a day after former President Trump appeared to renew his support for Kyiv in the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky’s speech, along with anticipated addresses from the presidents of Iran and Syria, commanded significant global attention at the New York summit.
In recent weeks, tensions between Europe and Russia have escalated, more than three years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Citing recent Russian drone incursions into Polish and Estonian airspace, Zelensky cautioned that advancing weaponry poses a threat to all nations. He raised concerns that drones could eventually be used to deliver nuclear devices by terrorists or states and highlighted the growing dangers posed by unregulated artificial intelligence.
“We are now living through the most destructive arms race in human history,” Zelensky declared. His emphasis on military strength as a primary conflict-resolution tool stood in sharp contrast to the traditional spirit of the General Assembly, which promotes dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation as paths to peace. He asserted that international rules are insufficient, and a nation’s salvation in wartime lies with “friends and weapons,” drawing parallels to the conflict in Gaza.
Later, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the Assembly for the first time since a brief 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States. He condemned both nations for what he termed a “great betrayal of diplomacy,” presenting his country as a victim of military aggression and showcasing a booklet of civilian casualties from Israeli strikes.
Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Shara also made his global debut, the first Syrian leader to address the Assembly since 1967. Having overthrown the Assad family’s rule, al-Shara is expected to outline domestic policies concerning ethnic and tribal violence, as well as foreign relations with Israel and Western nations. He expressed openness to a security agreement with Israel but warned against expansionist and aggressive military actions in the region.
Beyond regional conflicts, artificial intelligence and climate change were central themes. The Security Council convened to discuss AI’s potential threat to global peace, while U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres hosted a climate summit, where 118 countries are expected to announce their 2035 emissions targets under the Paris Agreement. Mr. Guterres has consistently prioritized global warming at the U.N.
Regarding the Ukraine war, Zelensky’s address followed President Trump’s surprising statement that Ukraine could retake all lost territory. This marked an apparent reversal from his previous stance. The Ukrainian leader delivered his speech amidst heightened tensions from recent Russian airspace violations over NATO members Romania, Poland, and Estonia.
For Iran, President Pezeshkian’s appearance comes at a critical juncture as the country faces potential U.N. sanctions if nuclear negotiations with Britain, France, and Germany fail to make progress. Syria’s al-Shara is expected to detail his government’s approach to sectarian violence and its foreign policy towards Israel and the West. Concerns about AI’s unchecked power were echoed by Security Council members, leading Guterres to advocate for a global watchdog and regulatory framework. Nations are also preparing their climate plans for the upcoming COP30 conference in Brazil.
Separately, the European Union’s climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, affirmed that despite Trump’s rejection of climate action, global ambitions remain strong. He noted that the EU is taking an opposing stance to the U.S. on climate policy, despite facing pressure from Washington on other fronts, such as accelerating its ban on Russian liquefied natural gas. Europe is also monitoring China’s dominance in clean energy technologies closely.
Ukrainian officials expressed a mix of gratitude and skepticism regarding Trump’s sudden shift. While President Zelensky welcomed the statement, he admitted being “a little bit” surprised. Commentators noted it was a favorable development but cautioned against assuming a radical policy change. Moscow, however, dismissed Trump’s assessment of Russia’s economic woes. Despite Russia’s belief that a long war favors them, Ukraine reports recapturing territory and inflicting economic pain on Russia through sanctions and drone strikes. Ukrainians remain wary of promises not backed by concrete action, with Zelensky referencing the failure of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum as evidence that “international promises can turn into blabbering.” He emphasized building a new security architecture with European allies, relying on the United States as a crucial “backstop.” Trump concluded his statement on the war with a simple “Good luck to all!” signaling a potentially detached perspective.